Overview & Reviews

Why are Honda vehicles so highly regarded by American drivers? Certainly, their excellent reputation for reliability and quality is a major factor. But it also has to do with the overall driving and owning experience. Read any Honda review and you'll likely notice common themes such as thoughtful design, a friendly nature, better-than-average fuel economy and attention to safety.

Japan-based Honda Motor Company was founded in 1948 by Soichiro Honda. The company got its start making motorbikes. Japan had been rendered cash poor and fuel-starved after World War II, and its citizens were hurting for an inexpensive, fuel-efficient mode of transportation. Honda's first motorcycles mated engines with bicycles to create a motorbike that was cheap to make and operate.

Honda's bikes quickly evolved into vehicles far more sophisticated than small engines stuck into bicycle frames. The manufacturer's 1949 D-Type could reach speeds of up to 50 mph, and offered front and rear suspension. The 1950s saw the launch of the successful Juno scooter, built to steal market share from the Vespa knockoffs that were popular in Japan at that time. In the latter part of that decade, Honda introduced the ultra-successful C100 Super Cub. The motorbike was remarkably easy to operate and featured a crossbar-free frame that made it popular with women. It went on to become the first Honda motorbike sold in the U.S. via then-new American Honda Co. in 1959.

By the early 1960s, Honda had built its first automobiles for the Japanese home market and entered Formula One racing. But it wasn't until 1970 that it exported its first car, the diminutive N600, to the U.S. The automaker initially had a hard time sparking interest among American buyers, but that all changed in 1973 with the introduction of the Civic. The car was larger than Honda's previous models even though it was still very petite compared to compact American cars. The Civic's high fuel efficiency (an important selling point given that decade's energy crisis) and affordability made it Honda's first American success story. By 1976, the Civic had been joined by the Accord, which quickly became a favorite with U.S. consumers as well.

By the 1980s, Honda's success and its reputation as a maker of well-built reliable cars and motorcycles continued to grow. It began building Accords in the U.S. in 1982 and by 1989 had earned the distinction of making America's most popular car. This was also the decade in which Honda created the Acura brand as a way to sell more upscale and luxurious vehicles. Throughout this decade and into the 1990s, the Civic and Accord were huge sellers and considered class benchmarks. Also during this time, Honda continued to innovate through such technologies as variable valve timing, aluminum body construction and improved safety features.

Today, Honda's lineup runs the gamut. Included are fuel-sipping hybrids, a spacious minivan, reliable family sedans, practical SUVs and even a pickup. Although the latest Civic and Accord aren't quite the benchmarks they once were for their respective classes, Honda's brand as a whole continues to be one of the most well respected in the industry, with millions of loyal and satisfied customers.

User Reviews:

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  More than I expected - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By kevin - May 8 - 10:50 pm

  Honda hit the nail on the head. Functionality, yet reliability of a Honda. Plenty of room for 5 adults and enough power to pull a boat or small camper. This vehicle puts the other 4 door Suts to shame. No options available because its loaded with everthing youd need to travel in comfort and style. I get looks everywhere I go.

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  Air Leak - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By cncvir - May 8 - 10:00 am

  I have had my minivan for only three weeks and I am taking it for service tommorow with a list of 16 repairs to be done. My luggage rack broke before 500 miles. The air noise most of the time sounds as if there are no doors. I can hear sounds such as other transmissions shifting and birds chirping. My passenger sliding door freezes half way open and will not move by any remote means and must be manually closed before it will work again. My drivers side front door is full of dead bugs that have accumulated from day one. Honda does not have loaner cars but my dealership is giving me one because of my instant disatisfaction with this vehicle.

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  Most bang for the buck - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By AC - May 8 - 10:00 am

  We are very happy with our new CRV. It handles well, has lots of interior room, is peppy for a 4 cyl. and has excellent ergonomics.

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  A/C problems - 2004 Honda Civic
  By BRobins - May 8 - 10:00 am

  This car would be great for a climate that never reaches over 100 degrees! Anything over that the a/c is terrible. Everytime you accelerate no matter if you mash the throttle or have an egg between your foot this vehicle blows hot air at you, which translate to the fact that in stop and go traffic the car never even comes close to getting comfortable inside the vehicle. According to my selling dealership this is a normal condition and nothing can be done about it. My recomendation is not to purchase this vehicle at all untill they have a fix for thier "normal" problem. Also the dealership also told me that all of the honda vehicles do this so beware!!

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  Rating of 2003 Honda LX Sedan - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Carl Kidd - May 8 - 10:00 am

  This car has been a pleasure to deive. I have qwned 5 other Hondas, but this is the best. The option to go with a 4 cylinder engine to get good gas mileage has been a plus. I frequently get 30 mpg on everyday driving. It has plenty of zip on interstate deiving. Reliability as always with a Honda is excellent. The 2003 model has much improved inside room as compared with other models.

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  front end design lacking - 2004 Honda Accord
  By goldie2 - May 8 - 10:00 am

  excellent car, needs better front end design for looks. fuel millage , interior, sides and rear design excellent.

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  Honda Mussle car - 2005 Honda Accord
  By gonpetiya - May 8 - 10:00 am

  Nice peformance. hugs the road nicel unlike the 2002 accord. Good handling and good power.

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  My car - 1990 Honda Civic
  By sAiNt - May 8 - 2:00 am

  Well I bought my car last year and I have to agree that the engine needs just a WHOLE lot of work. Well it deos act on time and quickly but not enough torque, yeah know? I added a new muffler suppose to increase horsepower but i need more. Its my first car, so I dont want to spend too much. I hope they can improve .

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  Excellent value, great looks, beautiful redesign.. - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Michael - May 7 - 12:04 am

  We had the same model Accord for 10 years and it was going strong with 130,000 miles, never in the repair shop once. It was wrecked in an accident so it was replaced with same model, Accord EXL. The new 2016 model is fantastic value for the money, a timeless design, very reliable, great on gas, and great resale value...not that wed ever sell it! Loads of passenger room, very comfortable front and back seats and good size trunk. The tech is quick to learn and works very well with android (me), or Apple (my wife). Not a single thing I could ask for on this car.

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  Great Truck - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By T.J. - May 6 - 10:33 pm

  I cant believe how GREAT this pilot is. It is so comfortable, handles well, electronics could not be better. First tank of fuel got 16 mpg with mixed driving.